Genesis Created a New V8 Engine for Racing Using Hyundai's 1.6L Turbo Four | Carscoops

      The Korean automaker is utilizing Hyundai's WRC expertise for its latest LMDh race car.

      Genesis is in the process of creating its own LMDh race car intended for endurance competitions. It has announced that it will be using Hyundai’s 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine as a foundation for developing a new V8.

      The new race car is set to be revealed in April, with testing beginning in August.

      In 2026, Genesis aims to participate in the World Endurance Championship with an entirely new vehicle. While it was already known that the car would incorporate a V8 engine, further details have now been released. The automaker confirmed its intention to utilize the 1.6-liter platform from Hyundai's WRC, while also acknowledging the challenge of constructing a race car from the ground up for a brand without a racing heritage.

      Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal of Genesis Magma Racing, previously mentioned that Genesis chose the V8 engine due to a constrained development timeline. To optimize the process, the team decided to utilize a reliable platform. In a recent interview, he elaborated on the rationale behind this decision.

      He stated, “We chose to go with a V8 because it allowed us to avoid redesigning an entire engine from scratch. Instead, we drew inspiration from our [Hyundai Motor Group’s] existing WRC [World Rally Championship] engine, a very competitive 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that we've been using for several years. We took that engine and created a V8 by combining two four-cylinder engines in line,” Abiteboul explained.

      Hyundai's WRC program has experienced considerable success, winning two manufacturer championships, a driver’s title, and amassing 29 rally victories. Genesis is clearly hoping to channel some of that successful DNA into achieving accolades in endurance racing.

      Achieving this goal goes beyond just building a powerful and efficient V8. That’s one reason Genesis has partnered with Oreca, a French chassis developer renowned for its early 2000s Dodge Vipers. Oreca currently constructs chassis for Alpine and Acura.

      We will have the opportunity to view the car in its entirety later this year in April, prior to the testing phase starting in August. Genesis plans to enter the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027 and hopes to compete at Le Mans in the same year. Why venture into some of the most challenging racing environments?

      Abiteboul emphasized that Genesis aims to establish a legacy in racing at some of the most prestigious venues. The team has already secured its drivers and chief engineer. Now, all that remains is to commence testing, which is a full-time endeavor.